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PROPHECY
This CD just came in the door and boy was I happy. I usually give records multiple spins before reviewing. What made this review come together quicker is the fact that I’ve been one lucky enough to be following Max Cavelera’s career way back near SEPULTURA’s start. I’m a fan that has come to realize that we aren’t gonna hear “war for territory” in every song. We may want to, but Soulfly is a different entity with that distinctive voice.
A lot of the other fans might want the heavy but there is so much more. It seems that Max tried a new approach to this record to bring new fire to the Soulfly sound. The first four tracks bring the heavy sonic and in your face Soufly. Those old Sep fans will be salivating. “Prophecy” and “Living Sacrifice” set that tone right away. ”Execution Style” kicks along and the end of the song even becomes more Godly heavy. At this point I’m yelling here it comes and boy does it on “Defeat U”. That track just thrashes right along unrelenting.
“Mars” comes along and it shifts into some new flavors from Mark Rizzo (guitar) formerly with Ill Nino. You start to hear flamingo guitar coming into play more on this track. In the end the song retains a power punch. “I Believe” has some lighter edges that bash into some deathly vocals that we haven’t heard since the split Sepultura EP, just more full and grown. That song also takes a turn for the mellow as it closes.
You could site Reggae, Ska and salsa as influences on “Moses” mixed with more extreme Max vocals. No matter how weird or off the track this may sound it is very interesting and cool sounding. The all out aural assault continues on “Born Again Anarchist”. Is it me or is that weird sax in the mix? Flute and sheepskin bagpipes are the sounds I’m hearing. It is an awesome track that pounds along fully loaded up with sound!
“Porrada” continues the flamingo guitar and the wood percussion along with more sounds as it jams along in a fun way. The sonic thrashing punk flows like old Brazil boys RDP. I dug the language change that helps enhance that track. I got thrown back by the crushing rendition of the HELMET classic “In The Meantime”. FMGorilla will love that one!
“Soulfy IV” goes down a more mellow road and is it me or do I hear keyboards on this instrumental? That song also supplies different percussive sounds also. Can you say urban feel? “Wings” offers female vocals that go more R&B like with a more Faith No More kind of musical backdrop. I was really expecting a big bang ending and a curve was thrown here. It gets weirder kids as it closes.
The second half of this record surely (don’t call me Shirley) has traveled an experimental road. That must be the influence that Max brought back after going to Serbia to work with musicians there. I’d say this is one gutsy record that some listeners might now understand but Soulfly fans should expect. It all goes back to keeping it fresher and being an artist not being locked into on style. Max took this to places that me ears were certainly happy to hear.
So you thought I was done? A few more bits of information to share. Joe Nunez returns to the fold on drums. Dave also enlisted Dave Ellefson, Former; maybe to be again Megadeth bass player and former Primer 55 bass player Bobby Burns. Another thing that added to the sonic heavy was the mix that Terry Date gave this record (one kick ass producer). Max also went as far as to produce this record. If Max didn’t have all the great support of some great people that help him in the underground two decades ago, we may not have had a chance to hear this different musical expression. Damn I’m getting old!
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